Fine art: critical practice ba(hons)

Year 1

In year 1 you will be introduced to a wide range of forms and types of art practice, alongside discussions on theoretical texts, with an estimated 12 hours per week direct contact with academic staff. A new seminar-based unit is designed to facilitate debate and understanding on key institutions, roles and terms within the contemporary art world. For example the role of the critic in relation to the art gallery; the term 'art market'; the relationship of the art collector to the art fair and art museum.

In your first year you will also begin to define the nature of your practice, the context for your work, producing practical and written work for assessment. A studio exhibition/event towards the end of the first semester is an early occasion for students to work together and think about how their work might reach an audience.

• Art Practice 1

  This module introduces you to new ways of making and thinking about art. Beginning with a series of set projects you will be challenged to produce creative and innovative responses that may take a multitude of forms; sound, photography, performance, installation, drawing, texts, social media, readymade objects etc. The project work is supported through studio discussions, seminars, lectures and tutorials. Regular feedback is provided via a series of group crits.

• Art Practice 2

  This module will allow you to further explore your interests and strategies for making work. Alongside these activities, the module will expand your knowledge and understanding of a range of historical, philosophical and theoretical positions within the context of fine art practice. Through seminars and studio crits you will further navigate the interrelationship between theory and practice, sometimes referred to as praxis, enabling you to start finding and defining your own artistic interests.

• Contemporary Art Institutional Roles and Terms

  This module will introduce you to key institutions, roles and terms within the contemporary art world, encouraging you to engage with discussion and debates about these.

• Introduction to Theories and Practices of Fine Art

  This module introduces you to a range of approaches used to think about the relationship between fine art practice and the social and cultural contexts in which art has emerged at various periods. Attention is paid to how artworks and art practices embody changing ideas, meanings, values and effects.

  The module includes students from all fine art areas, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue. The module explores historical contextualisation appropriate for studio practice, supporting the development of library-based research and academic skills.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.

Fine Art Critical Practice camping trip